Board trip hardly boring

My recent trip to Sudan with the Mango Ministry WGM-Sudan Board was hardly boring. God broke our hearts, surprised us with new sights, tastes and sounds, and blessed us with the opportunity to serve our Sudanese brothers and sisters. Opportunities for ministry abound. Although this is a really long entry ~ join me in reminiscing about our trip.

Our team included our pilot from Mission Aviation Fellowship, David Mutai and new Sudanese friend, Carol Spears, Joy Phillips, Jim Vanderhoof, Christine Stanfield, Jeff Stanfield, Karen Duncan, Terry Duncan, and Simon Kariuki.

We were humbled by the tenacity of the Headmaster of the Akot Primary School as he gave us a tour of facilities that have endured many decades of use. Children have to bring their own chairs to class.
Board member, David Mutai, enjoys a lively discussion with several students after class is out.

We were honored to visit with church members who were headed to their church for a weekend of prayer for peace in Sudan. We had the priviledge to pray with them.

After touring the market a magnificent sunset took our breath away ~ God's blessing on the end of a very thought provoking day.

The next day we were off to Lui, where I used to live and work. It was exciting to be back and catch up with friends and acquaintances who seemed to be everywhere!

Dr. Carol Spears, a surgeon at Tenwek Hospital, was able to perform two life saving surgeries saving the life of this little baby whose mother had been in labor for 3 days. By the way, the baby is named Carol too!

Jim Vanderhoof (on left) led our team and the Lui church leaders in a rousing chorus complete with actions after a meal shared together one evening. We sang in Arabic, Moru, English, and Swahili.

Jeff Stanfield took time off from his picture taking duties to help his wife Christine shop in the well-stocked market. Well stocked compared to when I lived there ~ it wouldn't compare to the choices available in the US! We all especially liked the homemade g-nut paste (aka peanut butter).

Karen Duncan took a rather upside-down interest in traditionally made Moru baskets. They are beautiful and exquisitely made.

To maintain my friendship wtih Karen let me show her loving on a set of twins with Pastor Simon! Reality is sometimes hard to swallow though. While we were visiting another set twins was born and only one went home due to the death of it's sibling. Suffering abounds.
Terry Duncan, WGM's Africa Regional Director, was able to share a challenging and encouraging word in hospital devotions one morning.

All in all it was a great trip. We sense open doors for continued partnerships in these needy communities. We believe WGM has much to offer. You have much to offer. Start by praying with us in the 100 day count-down to the referendum on January 9th. Check back for fresh prayer reminders during these 100 days.

I will be visiting Sudan again in the near future to work out details of ways WGM can come alongside these partners. Pray for those meetings. Pray for Christ-led relationships that will bear fruit for the Kingdom.

And pray that that you and I will see clearly what God has prepared us to do in the building of His Kingdom in Sudan, across the street, and around the world. Specific opportunities with Mango Ministries coming soon. Is God tugging on your heart?

Shalom,

Joy